Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Judge Suspended for Gross Ignorance in Nullity of Marriage Cases
Supreme Court suspends judge for one year for procedural lapses in nullity of marriage cases and unauthorized solemnization of marriages.
Omission of Drug Quantity in Information: Can Conviction Still Stand?
The Supreme Court clarifies when an Information's failure to state drug quantity affects conviction and penalty in drug cases.
Retirement Benefits Rate for University Employees With Multiple Roles
Supreme Court clarifies how retirement pay is computed for university employees who hold faculty and administrative positions.
Upholding Integrity: Dismissal and Penalties for Grave Misconduct and Insubordination in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court penalizes a court utility worker for gross insubordination and grave misconduct, reinforcing integrity standards in the judiciary.
Child Abuse Law: Grave Threats and Psychological Harm to Minors Under RA 7610
The Supreme Court clarifies when threats against a child constitute child abuse under RA 7610, not just grave threats.
Inter-Company Loans and VAT: When Interest Income Is Not Taxable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when interest on inter-company loans is exempt from VAT and how prescription periods apply.
Solicitation and Sanctions: Upholding Integrity in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court disciplines a lawyer for soliciting clients and making false charges, reaffirming ethical standards in the legal profession.
Kidnapping for Ransom Conviction Upheld: Witness Credibility and Positive Identification
Supreme Court affirms kidnapping for ransom convictions, explaining why victim's positive identification outweighs alibis and minor testimonial inconsistencies.
Confiscation of Property: Balancing Government Authority and Due Process Rights
Explore how the Supreme Court balances state power to recover ill-gotten wealth against constitutional due process and prescription rights.
Upholding Mutuality in Loan Agreements: Scrutinizing Interest Rate Adjustments
The Supreme Court clarifies when a bank's interest rate adjustments in loan agreements are valid, reaffirming the principle of mutuality of contracts.
Search Warrant Validity: Compelling Reasons Needed for Out-of-Jurisdiction Applications
Supreme Court clarifies that "compelling reasons" for out-of-jurisdiction search warrant applications require substantial evidence, not bare claims of information leakage.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: When Land Exceeds the Covered Area
The Supreme Court clarifies when sloping land must be excluded from agrarian reform coverage and how just compensation is computed.
Writ of Possession: Ministerial Duty vs Third-Party Adverse Claims in Foreclosure Sales
The Supreme Court clarifies when a writ of possession is ministerial and when third-party adverse claims can stop it.
Sandiganbayan's Exclusive Appellate Jurisdiction Over Civil Forfeiture Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that appeals from RTC decisions in civil forfeiture cases under RA 1379 must go to the Sandiganbayan, not the Court of Appeals.
Ancestral Land Rights: Proving Fraud and Due Process in Land Title Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when ancestral land titles can be cancelled for fraud and what claimants must prove to assert vested rights over ancestral lands.
Confiscation of Property and Due Process Rights of Third-Party Owners
When can the government confiscate a vehicle used in illegal logging? The Supreme Court clarifies the due process rights of third-party owners.
Agrarian Reform Land Classification and Just Compensation for Expropriated Lands
Supreme Court clarifies when sloping lands are exempt from CARP coverage and how courts compute just compensation for expropriated properties.
Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: The Magno Case Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when touching a minor's private parts is lascivious conduct under RA 7610, citing the Magno case.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: Supreme Court Upholds Judicial Discretion Over DOJ Guidelines
The Supreme Court clarifies that trial courts must resolve plea bargaining proposals in drug cases based on evidence, not just DOJ guidelines.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Jurisdictional Challenges and Circumstantial Evidence
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, clarifying that a prosecutor's lack of written authority does not defeat a court's jurisdiction and that circumstantial evidence can prove carnal knowledge.
Due Process and Notice in Arbitration: CIAC Jurisdiction Upheld Despite Alleged Address Errors
Supreme Court clarifies when CIAC arbitration awards stand despite notice issues, and the proper remedy to challenge them.
Graft and Corruption: Navigating Local Government Contracts in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies direct bribery under the Revised Penal Code in a case involving Ombudsman officials and local executives.
Simple Misconduct vs Grave Misconduct: Key Differences in Penalties for Public Officials
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between simple and grave misconduct in administrative cases, and the corresponding penalties.
Bribery: The Line Between Facilitation and Conspiracy in Public Office
Supreme Court clarifies when mere presence at a bribe transaction amounts to conspiracy in direct bribery cases under Philippine law.